Liang Chen Mei Jin

Chapter 346: The Reason

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Ye Xian smiled and said, "I don’t even know what I mean, but Lord Chen surely understands."

"Lord Chen has been dissatisfied with Zhang Ju Lian for a long time, hasn’t he? That old man holds everything too tightly, squeezing others in his grasp until they’re left with no vitality. Perhaps only after his death can there truly be a change of power. By then, the court will be drenched in blood, and it will take at least three years to purge all his faction. I can speak a few words to the Emperor, and given the sudden shift in momentum these days, I can roughly guess your intentions. In truth, the Emperor isn’t afraid of losing—after all, he has nothing left to lose. The one who should be afraid is you, Third Master Chen. Not only could your wealth and status vanish in an instant, but your family would also be implicated."

Chen Yanyun quietly watched him.

Outside the window, the early spring scenery of the moat was vibrant and flourishing.

Ye Xian paused before asking, "Lord Chen, do you know what you’re doing?"

"My affairs are of too much concern to you, Young Master Ye," Chen Yanyun replied indifferently. "With your extraordinary talent, you naturally see the situation clearly. But given your current circumstances, I advise you to keep a low profile."

Ye Xian chuckled and sighed. "Chen Yanyun, you don’t trust me? You think I’m saying all this with ulterior motives?"

"Could it be that Young Master Ye is intervening for the sake of the common people? Wouldn’t it be more in the interests of the Marquis Changxing’s household if Chen Yanyun and Zhang Ju Lian fought to the death?" Chen Yanyun also smiled. "If you had no purpose, I wouldn’t dare believe it."

"I do have a purpose," Ye Xian nodded with a smile. "Then let me ask you—do you not want me to intervene because you fear I’ll be the mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind? Or is it just out of some inexplicable jealousy?"

Chen Yanyun remained silent.

Ye Xian continued, "I knew Gu Jinzhao before you did. Back then, her life was harder than it is now. I helped her, though in truth, she helped me more. I once promised her that I would grant her a request. Chen Yanyun, I will help you—yes, because of Gu Jinzhao."

"I used to hope you’d die. After your death, with no one to protect her, I could step in and take care of her—I wouldn’t have minded. But that day when she was kidnapped and you came for her, I suddenly thought… if you really died, Gu Jinzhao would be devastated. No matter what I did, I could never give her another Chen Yanyun." Having said this, he seemed to relax slightly, though there was a hint of self-mockery in his tone.

Even though he was proud and never bowed to others, he had to admit—Chen Yanyun was truly irreplaceable.

"I’ve said my piece. Whether you agree or not is up to you," Ye Xian said. "You have no military power. If you clash directly with Zhang Ju Lian, you’ll inevitably be at a disadvantage. Duke Zheng’s private army is less than half the strength of my Iron Cavalry Battalion. And in the Ministry of War, his influence isn’t as deep-rooted as the Marquis Changxing’s. He likely won’t be able to help you much."

Chen Yanyun lowered his head to sip his tea and asked softly, "Young Master Ye, do you wish to restore the glory of the Marquis Changxing’s household?"

Ye Xian frowned, momentarily puzzled by Chen Yanyun’s meaning.This must be him trying to persuade Chen Yanyun! Even if Chen Yanyun had other considerations that made him reluctant to form an alliance, he should at least yield somewhat due to the military power in Ye Xian's hands. Ye Xian himself had nothing more he could do to help Gu Jinzhao, but helping her preserve Chen Yanyun's life was still within his capability.

"I would be very willing to form an alliance with Your Highness," Chen Yanyun said instead. "But not in the name of Gu Jinzhao—not out of jealousy. Your Highness says you came to help me because of Gu Jinzhao, but what is Gu Jinzhao to you? She is my wife, so I will protect and help her even at the cost of my life. But you have no standing. What if your gratitude fades and you turn against me? An ally who could change sides or betray me at any moment is someone I can hardly trust. If Your Highness has no other reason, then I must trouble you to refrain from interfering out of consideration for my wife."

Ye Xian was so taken aback by this that he was almost speechless. His tone turned displeased. "Chen Yanyun, what more do you want?"

"Your Highness, what do you think I could possibly want at this critical juncture?" Chen Yanyun smiled. "I, Chen, am not so adept at strategizing. I, too, fear failure. I’m even making arrangements for my family’s retreat. So the jealousy and pettiness Your Highness speaks of are things I no longer have the luxury to consider. It’s not that I don’t care, but at a life-and-death moment like this, such talk is meaningless."

"If Your Highness seeks the restoration of the Changxing Marquisate and vengeance for your father, I await your esteemed presence," Chen Yanyun said softly. "When Xiao You schemed against your marquisate, did you truly believe it was solely his doing and Prince Rui’s? Your Highness has lofty ambitions and has endured humiliation to one day strike down your enemies. Think carefully, Your Highness. I, Chen, will be right here waiting."

Ye Xian pondered for a while before his expression grew solemn.

The image of his father struck by an arrow, the sight of Xiao You falling before his crossbow—these scenes were still vivid in his mind.

He had not forgotten his hatred. He had always believed there would be time for everything. And he was still young, with opportunities to scheme.

His perspective had truly been too narrow.

The careless demeanor vanished from his face as he said calmly, "Lord Chen is indeed very clever. I’ve never said this before, but I must admit, I am convinced. You may leave first. I need to think alone."

Chen Yanyun did not linger. In truth, he had no time to spare. Zhao Huai was returning from Shaanxi today, and the two had matters to discuss.

But in his heart, he knew Ye Xian would not go back on his word.

He bid farewell to Ye Xian and stepped out of the teahouse. Outside, the willow trees were already covered in new leaves, painting the streets in shades of green.

...

Gu Jinzhao learned of these events not from Third Master Chen, but because within days of Zhou Husheng’s arrest, the news had spread throughout the Northern Metropolitan Region, even reaching the ears of women like her in the inner quarters. The rumors of Zhang Ju Lian shielding and indulging his nephew’s crimes were particularly vivid.

The speed at which the news spread made it clear that someone must have been pulling strings behind the scenes.

Gu Jinzhao immediately realized this was a sign that Third Master Chen had begun to act. Upon reflection, she found the move quite clever. Third Master must have kept evidence of Zhang Ju Lian’s misdeeds. Although such matters wouldn’t deal a substantial blow to Zhang Ju Lian, they could damage his reputation. As the current Grand Secretary, his reputation was indispensable.

When Third Master Chen returned, she made sure to ask him about it.Third Master Chen was practicing calligraphy in his study when Jinchao spoke to him. He set down his brush and nodded. "Of course, it's me. But Lord Li is truly unfortunate. These days, he faces open admonishments and covert assassination attempts. The men I sent to protect him dare not leave his side for even a moment..."

Gu Jinzhao knew of Li Ying, the former Vice Minister of Revenue and her father's superior.

She rolled up her sleeves to help him grind ink. "Is Lord Li in grave danger? What if something happens to him?"

Third Master Chen replied, "He has already resolved himself to die... It would be best if he survives this ordeal. But if anything does happen, Zhang Ju Lian won't escape the infamy of persecuting a loyal and righteous official."

Gu Jinzhao sighed inwardly. This scheme was indeed meticulously crafted.

It was a dilemma from both sides.

If Li Ying were allowed to continue, Zhang Ju Lian would fear he might uncover more secrets and implicate him. But if Zhang harmed Li Ying, he would face immense pressure from both the court and the public, branding him as a villain who framed an innocent official. Damned if he did, damned if he didn't—whether to kill or not was a headache.

Third Master Chen set aside his brush and explained, "So the only option is to admonish Li Ying. However, Li Ying has always been upright and incorruptible, and his household strictly adheres to regulations. They can't find any faults with him."

Gu Jinzhao nodded. "Isn't that a good thing?"

Chen Yanyun shook his head. "It is and it isn't."

Zhang Ju Lian had already approached him several times, probing the matter indirectly.

It seemed he was growing anxious. If things continued this way, he might resort to forceful measures.

Thus, the investigation couldn't proceed further.

He stopped after that, and Gu Jinzhao didn't press further. She glanced at the calligraphy Chen Yanyun had practiced—a Buddhist scripture meant to calm the mind. The strokes were powerful, penetrating the paper. It was clear his heart was anything but tranquil.

Gu Jinzhao stored the paper in a box, while Third Master Chen had a maid assist him in washing his hands before dinner.

A guard came to report that Madam Chen had visited Fourth Master Chen that day. They weren't sure whether to stop her, but given her recent recovery from illness, it would have been inappropriate to intervene. The two had spoken at length in the room. When Madam Chen emerged, her eyes were red and swollen, and she seemed dispirited.

"...Fourth Master also said he wishes to see you. He has something to tell you."

Third Master Chen merely gave a faint "Hmm" and continued sipping his loofah soup. "In the future, don’t stop Madam from visiting Fourth Master. As for anything Fourth Master says, there’s no need to relay it to me."

The guard acknowledged and withdrew.

No wonder no one was at Ban Zhu Pan when she went to pay her respects that evening...

Gu Jinzhao mused silently as she served him another bowl of soup. "Mother has been asking about your daily routine lately, saying you haven’t visited her in days. If you have time, perhaps you could go see her. After all, if there’s any misunderstanding, it’s best to clarify it in person."

"I’ll go when I have time." He had been leaving early and returning late these days, too busy to attend to his mother.

If she wanted to visit Old Fourth, so be it. Chen Yanwen was her own child, after all. No matter how ruthless he was, he couldn’t sever the bond between mother and son.

Jinchao also pitied his exhaustion, especially during such times. It was better not to trouble him with family matters.

She didn’t bring up Madam Chen again.

The next day, when she went to pay her respects, Madam Chen was quizzing Chen Xuanxin and the others on their studies. She did this every few days, offering extra guidance to anyone who fell behind. Madam Qin watched with a smile as Xian Ge'er answered her questions.Chen Xuanyue stood at the very back among his brothers, idly staring at the black lacquered floor.

When Gu Jinzhao cast him a questioning glance, he responded with a helpless smile.

When Madam Chen finally addressed him, Chen Xuanyue answered hesitantly and with obvious unfamiliarity. Everyone knew he'd been mentally impaired for over a decade and had only recently regained clarity—naturally he couldn't be expected to understand everything immediately.

Madam Chen had never felt particularly attached to this grandson, but considering his recent recovery, she showed him extra attention. Only after she'd held him for prolonged admonitions did Gu Jinzhao understand why Chen Xuanyue had worn that expression earlier—he disliked listening to lengthy speeches.

Exceptionally intelligent people often seemed this way—Ye Xian was no different.